Braking and steering system for a truck, wheeled platform, skateboard or vehicle

ABSTRACT

A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a braking and steering enhancement system forwheeled platforms and more particularly a braking and steeringenhancement system for a skateboard.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Existing skateboard braking systems rely on actuation systems thatinvolve the use of hands, feet, and/or other body parts. Typically, thehand-actuated braking systems involve the squeezing of the hands orfingers. Foot actuated braking systems require the relocation orrepositioning of all or part of one or more feet from one position to asecond position on the skateboard. Many of these existing brakingsystems require the use of specialized skateboard elements such asintegrated brake/truck systems, or integrated brake/deck systems.

In snowboarding, the feet are placed within specialized snowboard bootsthat are typically bound to the snowboard deck by specialized bindings.Even though the snowboard rider's feet are fixed to one positionrelative to the snowboard deck the snowboard rider is capable of slowingor stopping the snowboard by causing the trailing end and uphill edge ofthe snowboard to scrape or slide laterally across the snow while makinga turn. The snowboard rider presses somewhat harder with the rider'strailing leg, relative to the riders leading leg, to force the trailingend of the snowboard to “fishtail” or slide out from under his body morethan the front or leading end of the board. This extra leg pressure onthe trailing end is pressed laterally, transversely, or roughlyperpendicular to longitudinal axis of the snowboard. This differentialleg pressure causes the trailing end of the snowboard to scrape or slideacross the snow creating greater friction and resistance to forwardmomentum, thus slowing the board without having to reposition thelocation of the feet with respect to the board.

Similarly, surfers manage to quickly redirect their surfboards and slowtheir motion through the water by “kicking” or pressing hard laterally,transversely or roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thesurfboard with the trailing leg, which is on the trailing end of theboard as it moves through the water. This redirection and slowing of thesurfboard can be accomplished without repositioning the foot on thesurfboard. In fact, some surfboards are equipped with special footpadsat the trailing end of the board in order to assist the rider and keephis trailing foot in one place when the rider pushes more forcefullywith the trailing leg during turning or slowing maneuvers.

Existing skateboard designs may allow enhanced turning characteristicsand relatively uncontrolled braking characteristics by applying lateralforces across the deck of the boards. The problem with these existingdesigns is that they either do not provide the controlledbraking/fishtailing response of snowboard riding, or they require highlyskilled riding abilities, which may be relatively unsafe, especiallywhen implemented without the use of hand- or foot-actuated brakingmechanisms. Strong lateral forces applied to the deck of most commonskateboard designs may cause the wheels to slide sideways relative tothe plane of the wheels' rotation. While this method of riding tends toslow the skateboard's velocity and enhances the turning characteristics,it does so in such a way that requires the wheels to slide sidewaysrather than roll across the ground surface, which may be consideredunsafe. Other skateboard truck designs provide a given fishtailingeffect for a given skateboard turn radius, but application of lateralforces across the deck of the board during these turns do not providecontrolled braking responses and tend to reduce the fishtailing responserather than increase the fishtailing response. Decreasing thefishtailing response when extra pressure is applied laterally with thetrailing leg conflicts with the desired response, this is one that ismore similar to snowboarding, wherein extra trailing leg pressureincreases the fishtailing response.

In order to more completely simulate the sensation of the“only-on-command” fishtailing, slowing or stopping action ofsnowboarding or surfing, what is needed is a skateboard actuation systemthat, regardless of the skateboard's current radius of curvature,modifies and enhances the turning characteristics and/or implementscontrolled braking responses only on-command by simply pushing with thelegs roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboarddeck, such that the skateboard wheels continue rolling in their modifiedplane of rotation when the actuation system is applied. The fishtailingand/or slowing response of the braking system should both be adjustableto suit the needs and preferences of individual riders. For example,some riders will prefer no enhanced turning response or “fishtailing”when lateral leg forces and brakes are applied. Some riders will prefera large amount of lateral play at the trailing end of the board when thebrakes are applied. Alternatively, some riders will prefer a“fishtailing” response while turning without the application of brakes.Furthermore what is needed is an actuation system that can be adapted toall existing skateboard deck and truck designs such that theonly-on-command fishtailing and/or braking responses can be added to theexisting characteristics of the riders favorite skateboard design.

Accordingly, what is desired is a system of actuating a skateboard brakeand/or steering enhancement system while the board is following a pathwith any radius of curvature that simulates the slowing, braking orfishtailing motions used in snowboarding or surfing in a safe andcontrolled manner wherein the wheels continue to roll on the groundsurface without sliding sideways. In addition, it is desirable to have askateboard braking system that can be actuated by increasing the lateralpressure applied by the legs across the deck of the skateboard roughlyperpendicular to longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck by the legswithout having to reposition the feet relative to the board's deck oruse hands to actuate the braking system. In addition, it is desirable tohave a braking and/or fishtailing system that does not necessarily alterthe riding and steering characteristics of the original board (notequipped with the braking/fishtailing system) so long as some lateralforce across the trailing end of the board does not exceed someuser-defined threshold force. In other words, the riding sensation, whennot intentionally trying to fishtail or brake, should be virtuallyidentical to that sensation of riding the board when it is not equippedwith the braking/fishtailing system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a steering enhancement system for askateboard comprises: a deck plate configured to be attachable to askateboard deck; and a truck plate configured to be attachable to askateboard truck and the deck plate, wherein upon an application of aforce to the skateboard deck, the position of the truck plate relativeto the deck plate changes.

In another aspect of the invention, a skateboard comprises: a truckcomprising an axle configured to receive at least one skateboard wheel;and a skateboard deck configured to be attachable to the truck, whereinupon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position ofthe truck relative to the skateboard deck changes.

In a further aspect of the invention, a skateboard comprises: askateboard deck; at least one skateboard truck, the skateboard truckbeing adapted to be attachable to the skateboard deck and comprising atleast one axle configured to receive a wheel; an actuating elementcomprising: a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboarddeck; and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboardtruck and the deck plate, wherein upon an application of a force to theskateboard deck, the position of the truck plate relative to the deckplate changes; and at least one wheel attached to the at least one axleof the skateboard truck.

In another aspect of the invention, a skateboard comprises: a skateboarddeck; a first skateboard truck configured to be attachable to one end ofthe deck and comprising at least one axle configured to receive at leastone wheel; a second skateboard truck, the second skateboard truck beingadapted to be attachable to another end of the skateboard deck andcomprising at least one axle configured to receive at least one wheeland having an actuating element positioned between the deck and truck,the actuating element comprising: a deck plate configured to beattachable to a skateboard deck; and a truck plate configured to beattachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate, wherein upon anapplication of a force to the skateboard deck, the position of the truckplate relative to the deck plate changes; at least one wheel attached tothe at least one axle of each of the skateboard trucks.

In one aspect of the invention, a brake system for a skateboardcomprises: a skateboard truck; an actuating element comprising: a deckplate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck; and a truckplate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deckplate, wherein upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck,the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes; anda brake system connected to the actuating element by brake cables,wherein the brake system is engaged by differential motion of theactuating element and configured to reduce a rotational velocity of awheel.

In a further aspect of the invention, a system for a wheeled platformcomprises: a platform plate configured to be attachable to a platform;and a wheel plate configured to be attachable to a wheel support and theplatform plate and having a position relative to the platform plate,wherein the position of the platform plate and the wheel plate changesupon an action of a user.

In another aspect of the invention, a skateboard truck comprises: a baseplate; and a pivot cup configured to fit within the base plate, whereinthe pivot cup is configured to move laterally within the base plate uponan application of a force to a deck of a skateboard.

In one aspect of the invention, a skateboard truck comprises: a baseplate; and a dynamic king pin, wherein the king pin is configured toease or tighten a pressure on an upper or bottom cushion in response todifferential motion between the base plate and a deck of a skateboard.

In a further aspect of the invention, a steering enhancement system fora skateboard comprises a plate of an elastic material positioned betweena deck of a skateboard and a skateboard truck, wherein upon anapplication of a force to the deck of the skateboard, the platelaterally displaces the skateboard truck.

In another aspect of the invention, a steering enhancement system for askateboard comprises: a skateboard deck; and a pivoting truck systemconfigured to attachable to the skateboard deck, the system comprising:a pair of skateboard trucks; a pair of actuating elements; a pivotelement; a support member, wherein the support member connects the pairof skateboard trucks, the pair of actuating elements and the pivotelement to one another; and wherein the skateboard deck rotates aroundthe pivot element, such that upon a force to the skateboard deck therelative position of the skateboard deck and actuating elements change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference tothe preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich like elements bear like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a skateboard.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a skateboard truck.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of a skateboard.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a skateboard.

FIG. 5 shows an end view of a skateboard having an actuating element.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a skateboard deck having an actuatingelement as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a truck base plate having a moveablepivot cup.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a standard truck and an attachedactuating element.

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theactuating element of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theactuating element of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8D shows an end view of the embodiment of the actuating element ofFIG. 8C.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a standardtruck and an attached actuating element.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a standardtruck and an attached actuating element.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of theactuating element of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anactuating element.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a skateboard deck illustrating a lateralforce motion upon an actuating element

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a skateboard illustrating the lateral forcemotion of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a braking systemand actuating element.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a braking system including theactuating element.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a brakingsystem including the actuating element.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of a skateboard with both an actuatingelement and static braking pads.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a skateboard with another embodimentof the actuating element on a unique truck with no moving parts and witha dynamic brake pad.

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of a standard truck and an attachedactuating element without lateral displacement.

FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of a standard truck and the attachedactuating element of FIG. 19A with lateral displacement.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a skateboard and an alternativeembodiment of an actuating element having a pivot member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a skateboard 10 typically comprises a deck 20, apair of skateboard trucks 30, and a plurality of wheels 40, mostcommonly four (4) wheels. Existing skateboard products have anywherefrom 2 to 14 or more wheels. Skateboard trucks 30 made by variousmanufacturers vary significantly in design, but the most common designs(FIG. 2) typically have two (2) axle extensions 66, which protrudelaterally from the sides of the truck 30 upon which the skateboardwheels 40 and bearings are mounted. Skateboard trucks 30 are typicallymounted to the skateboard deck 20 in a front 32 (or leading) and rear 34(or trailing) position along the longitudinal or lengthwise axis of theskateboard deck 20 such that, at rest, the truck axle extensions 66 atthe leading position 32 are roughly parallel to the truck axleextensions 66 at the trailing position 34 and all truck axle extensions66 are roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboarddeck 20 when the skateboard 10 is at rest. If thisapproximately-parallel alignment of the trucks 30 and their respectiveaxles are maintained while the skateboard 10 rolls along the ground, theskateboard's path will be relatively straight.

The skateboard deck 20 most commonly comprises a single piece offiberglass, wood, wood laminates or wood composite or any suitablematerial for the skateboard deck 20. In addition, the deck 20 can havevariable degrees of stiffness and flexibility based on the weight of therider and the riders skateboarding style, i.e. gradual turns or a moreaggressive pumping action of the skateboard deck 20. Some skateboarddecks 20 consist of multiple pieces and/or are made from a combinationof different materials.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a common style ofskateboard truck 30. However, it can be appreciated that the embodimentsdescribed herein can be implemented with any skateboard truck 30 andskateboard truck design.

As shown in FIG. 2, a common skateboard truck 30 comprises a kingpin 50,a base plate 52, a pivot cup 54, a pivot 56, an upper cushion (akabushing) 58, an upper cushion washer 60, a kingnut 62, a pair of axlenuts 64, a hanger 68, axle extensions 66 which protrudes from two endsof the hanger 68, a bottom cushion (aka bushing) 70 and a bottom cushionwasher 72.

The base plate 52 has a plurality of openings 74. The openings 74 areconfigured to each receive bolts (not shown) for attaching the baseplate 52 of the truck 30 to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10. Each ofthe two axle extensions 66 can receive a wheel 40. The wheel 40preferably includes bearings (not shown), and washers or spacers (notshown), which properly position the bearings and wheels 40 such thatthey can freely spin without rubbing against the hanger 68. The wheel 40is secured to the axle extension 66 with an axle nut 64.

The plurality of wheels 40, are preferably skateboard wheels or suitablewheels preferably having bearings, which can be attached to the wheelsand which fit over the axle extension 66 of the skateboard truck 30. Theat least one axle extension 66 preferably protrudes from hanger 68 andis configured to receive a wheel 40. It can be appreciated that theskateboard 10 can be equipped with a hydraulic truck as shown in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/874,134, filed Jun. 21, 2004, which isincorporated herein in its entirety, in the front or rear of theskateboard and one standard truck at the opposite end of the skateboard.Alternatively, multiple hydraulic trucks can be mounted on theskateboard 10.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of a skateboard 10. As shown in FIG. 3, theweight of the skateboarder upon shifting his or her weight from side toside of the skateboard 10 causes the deck 20 of the skateboard to rotateabout a pivot point 22, which is typically below the plane of the deck20 of the skateboard 10. The pivot point 22 is typically located in thevicinity of the bushings 58, 70 of a common truck (FIG. 2). However, itcan be appreciated that the pivot point 22 can be located in anyposition relative to the skateboard deck and the point may not bedirectly associated with a physical element on the skateboard (e.g. FIG.18). The pivot points 22 for a leading truck and a trailing truck arepreferably each located on a plane which is perpendicular to theskateboard deck 20, and which also passes through the longitudinal axisof the skateboard deck 20. The skateboard deck's 20 axis of rotation isdefined by an imaginary line, which connects the two pivot points 22 onthe leading and trailing trucks 30. It can be appreciated that the axisof rotation may not be so positioned without deviating from thisinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the skateboard 10 showing the skateboard'sturning radius. As shown in FIG. 4, the turning path of the skateboard10 will curve in the direction of the edge 14 of the skateboard that hasbeen forced downwards. The greater the deck dipping angle, theta (θ), asseen in FIG. 3, of the skateboard deck 20 measured from its restingposition and around the longitudinal axis connecting points 22, thegreater the trucks' 30 turning angles, beta (β), from their restingparallel position, measured around a vertical axis passing through pivotpoints 22, and the shorter the turning radius, r, of the skateboard'spath. When one edge 14 of the skateboard deck 20 is rotated downward bythe deck dipping angle theta (θ), around the longitudinal axisconnecting pivot points 22, the ends of the axle extensions 66 on thatside of the skateboard 10 are caused to mechanically move towards oneanother, thus achieving the potential for the skateboard 10 to have acurved path.

As shown in FIG. 4, the skateboard's path becomes curved when the axles66 of the two trucks 30 are caused to have an alignment, which is nolonger parallel to one another and no longer perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20. The variable turning angle,beta (β), that the axle extension 66 of a truck 30 makes relative to itsresting position (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theskateboard deck), is typically similar in magnitude, but opposite indirection, for each of the two trucks 30. It can be appreciated that thebeta angle for the front and rear trucks 30 may be designed to bedifferent from one another for a given dip angle, theta (θ), of the deck20 without deviating from this invention.

The truck axle extensions 66 positions and alignment are designed torespond variably to different changes in the deck dipping angle, theta(θ), of the skateboard deck 20 from a first position to a secondposition. The path of the skateboard 10 will curve in the direction ofthe edge 14 of the skateboard deck 20 that has been forced downwards.The greater the deck dipping angle, theta (θ), of the skateboard deck20, the greater the trucks' 30 turning angle, beta (β), from theirresting position and the shorter the radius of curvature, r, of theskateboards 10 path.

Trucks 30 have various mechanical designs. Trucks 30 are designed bydifferent manufacturers to have different and varying mechanical and/orturning angle beta (β), responses to the deck dipping angle, theta (θ)of the skateboard deck 20 upon which the trucks 30 are mounted. Sometrucks 30 have no moving parts and rely on the geometry of the truckaxle to facilitate the skateboard's 10 variable turning radius when thedeck 20 is variably rotated from its resting position. Some trucks havesingle wheels (1), some have two (2) wheels, some trucks have three (3)wheels, and some others have seven (7) wheels. Mechanically, thesetrucks 30 appear and operate differently from one another but share asimilar goal: a dynamic steering system which responds to the dipping ofthe skateboard deck 20 around the axis parallel to the longitudinal axisof the deck 20. None of these prior truck 30 designs allows optional,on-command decreases in turning radius, increases in the turning angle,beta (β), fishtailing, or braking capacity as a result increasedpressure applied roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theskateboard 10, initiated at any radii of curvature of the skateboardpath 10 while having the skateboard wheels 40 maintaining non-skidrolling contact with the ground surface.

It is typical, but not universal, that the magnitude of the turningresponse, beta (β), of both of the skateboard trucks 30 on theskateboard 10 will be similar to each other but opposite in directionsuch that an imaginary linear extension of each trucks axle extensions66 will cross and define a radius of curvature of the skateboard's 10path. Some skateboard designs include one truck that does not everchange its orientation with respect to the deck and instead reliesentirely on the other truck's response to the dipping deck 20 to enablethe skateboard 10 to be steered by the rider. The greater the deckdipping angle, theta (θ), of the skateboard deck 20, the greater theturning angle, beta (β), of each typical truck 30, and the smaller theturning radius, (r), of the skateboard's 10 path. Some skateboard 10designs have a designated front (or leading) truck 30 and rear (ortrailing) truck 30. The rear truck's 30 response may be more responsiveto decking dipping angle, theta (θ), thereby providing a fishtailingmotion, which is not optional at increased deck dipping angles, theta(θ).

Fishtailing Motion

A fishtailing motion on the skateboard 10 can be derived by, and definedby, an increase in either truck's turning angle, beta (β), hereinreferred to as beta-T (β-T), relative to the turning angle on the othertruck, beta-L (β-L) or other wheels on the vehicle. In the remainingdiscussion, beta-T (β-T) will represent an increased turning angle forthe skateboard's 10 trailing truck relative to the turning angle, beta-L(β-L), of the skateboard's leading truck. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theturning angle is measured around a vertical axis through pivot point 22relative to a perpendicular drawn from the longitudinal axis of theskateboard deck 20 passing through pivot point 22. The position of pivotpoint 22 may be allowed to mechanically change its position relative tothe skateboard deck 20. It is one intent of this invention to define anactuating element 100, which can, when optionally engaged on-command bythe rider, facilitate this fishtailing motion or increase in beta-Twithout altering the deck dipping angle, theta (θ). It can beappreciated that the actuating element 100 does not necessarily alwayscause fishtailing motions. Rather, the actuating element 100 canoptionally, and on-command, create and cause a wide variety of effectsincluding, but not limited to, braking, fishtailing, path straightening,and switching on lights or other visual or audible effects, or providingphysical input to electronic sensors.

Changing the orientation of the truck's base plate 52 with respect tothe skateboard deck 20 can enhance the turning angle, beta (β), of agiven truck 30. Typically, skateboard trucks 30 are fixedly attached tothe skateboard deck 20 by attaching the truck's base plate 52 directlyto the skateboard deck 20. If the orientation of the base plate 52 isallowed to move in controlled ways relative to the skateboard deck, thetrailing turning angle, beta-T (β-T), can be enhanced to increase beyondthat angle, beta (β). Again, beta (β) is defined as the turning angle,which the truck 30 would have achieved solely in response to deck'srotation around the longitudinal axis through the skateboard's pivotpoints 22, if the truck's 30 base plate 52 was fixedly attached to theskateboard deck 20 without the actuating element 100. It can beappreciated that any or all trucks 30 on the skateboard, or any otherwheel on a wheeled platform or vehicle, can contain the actuatingelements 100 described herein. It is not necessary that the actuatingelement 100 be equipped only at the trailing end of the skateboard 10.

A change in the orientation of the truck's base plate 52, with respectto a normal, fixedly-attached position of the base plate 52 to theskateboard deck 20 can achieve an increasing (or decreasing) beta-T(β-T) as compared to beta-L (β-L). The resting position of the baseplate 52 is defined to be co-planar with that portion of the skateboarddeck 20 to which the base plate 52 would normally be attached andsymmetrically located along the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck20. The point at which the truck 30 is attached to the deck 20 can be ona surface that is either parallel to the ground surface upon which theskateboard 10 rests, or on other deck 20 surfaces which are not parallelto the ground upon which the skateboard 10 rests.

The resting position of the base plate 52 of the truck 30 is alsodefined to be oriented in such a way that the truck's axle extensions 66will be oriented perpendicular to a vertical plane which passes throughthe longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20. Defining a line, L,this is the intersection of the vertical plane passing through thelongitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20 and the plane surface uponwhich the trucks base plate 52 attaches to the skateboard deck 20.Defining a line, P, this is perpendicular to line L and co-planar withthe mounting surface of the truck's base plate 52. Defining a thirdline, V, this is perpendicular to the plane of the surface of thetruck's base plate 52 and orthogonal to lines L and P. The lines L, P,and V define three orthogonal axes. It can be appreciated that any threeorthogonal axes can be defined by similar means for wheeled platforms orvehicles which do not contain skateboard parts, with deviating from thisinvention.

Rotation of the truck's base plate 52 from its resting position aroundany axis which is parallel to lines L, P, or V in a yet-to-be-specifieddirection will enhance the deviation angle, beta (β), to increase to alarger deviation angle, beta-T (β-T), or to smaller angles, or toreverse the direction of the deviation angle, beta (β), all together.

As shown in FIG. 7, the actuating element 100 that creates differentialmotion between the truck 30 and deck 20 through the application of alateral, transverse force across the deck of the skateboard can be fullyintegrated into the body of either the truck 30 or deck 20 or otherskateboard parts. In FIG. 7 the pivot cup 54 on standard skateboarddesigns can be designed to move laterally within the truck base plate 52to allow the enhanced turning response, which can also allow actuationof braking. At rest the pivot cup 54 is symmetrically centered relativeto the base plate 52 and deviates laterally by a lateral force appliedacross the deck of the skateboard. The deviation of the pivot cup 54from its centered resting position modifies the truck axle extensions 66turning radius, beta (β), to beta-T (β-T). The pivot cup 54 returns toits symmetrically centered position within the base plate 52 whenlateral forces applied across the deck of the skateboard are removed.

Additionally, kingpins 50, (as shown in FIG. 2) which are found internalto standard skateboard trucks 30, can be designed to allow fishtailing.Typically kingpins 50 are static components of skateboard trucks 30,which do not dynamically change while riding the skateboard 10. Standardstatic kingpins 50 can be tightened or loosened to compress or easepressure on skateboard bushings 58, 70. The more pressure that a kingpin50 places on the truck bushings 58, 70, the less responsive the turningangle, beta (β), of the trucks axle 66 to dips, theta (θ), in the deck20 of the skateboard 10.

The kingpin 50 can be a dynamically adjustable kingpin consisting of ahydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or mechanically dynamic elements, whichease or tighten pressure on the upper and bottom cushions 58, 70, inresponse to differential motion between the base plate 52 and the deck20 of the skateboard 10 which is facilitated by an actuating element100. The actuating element 100 transfers differential motion between thedeck 20 and the truck 30 to the dynamically adjustable kingpin 50 whichthen enhances the turning angle, beta (β), of the trailing edge of theskateboard 10 so that a fishtailing action of the skateboard may result.

FIGS. 8–11 show a mechanical connection in the form of an actuatingelement 100, between the deck 20 and truck 30. The actuating element100, can be designed to control the base plate 52 to rotate aroundand/or translate along lines parallel to lines L, P, or V (or anycombination of these rotations and translations) in response totransverse or lateral forces across the deck of the board which areapplied approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theskateboard deck 20. The preferred actuating force is the lateral forceon the skateboard deck 20 created by pushing with the trailing legapproximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboarddeck 20. It can be appreciated that many other means of actuating therotation and/or translation of the base plate 52 from its restingposition can be implemented. These other actuating forces include butare not limited to forces that are controlled by hands, feet or otherbody parts (remote controls, handle bars, foot pedals, etc.) or whichare applied in directions other than approximately perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the skateboard deck.

FIG. 8A shows a first embodiment of an actuating element 100. Theactuating element 100 is positioned between the skateboard deck 20 andthe base plate 52 of the truck 30. The actuating element 100 comprises adeck plate 110 and a truck plate 120. The deck plate 110 comprises afirst side 112 and a second side 114. As shown in FIG. 8A, the deckplate 110 has a substantially flat surface on both the first side 112and the second side 114. It can be appreciated that the first side 112can adopt a shape which best fits the underside of the deck 20 to whichthe first side 112 is attached, which generally may not be flat, withoutdeviating from this invention. On the second side 114 of the deck plate110, the deck plate 110 comprises two edges 116 extending from thelateral ends of the deck plate 110. The deck plate 110 also includes aplurality of mounting holes 118 (not shown). The mounting holes 118attach the actuating element 100 to the skateboard deck 20 and arehidden from view in FIG. 8A by the truck plate 120. The pattern orarrangement of the deck mounting holes 118 preferably matches thepre-drilled mounting holes on the base plate 52 of the truck 30. Thisway, the actuating element 100 can be optionally removed by the rideraltogether such that the truck base plate 52 or the actuating element100 can be mounted within the same holes on the deck 20 of theskateboard 10.

The truck plate 120 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 124configured to attach the truck plate 120 to the truck 30. A pair ofstraight cylindrical holes 122 extends from a first edge 126 to a secondedge 128 of the truck plate 120. A pair of cylindrical rods 132 extendsfrom one edge 116 of the deck plate 110 to another edge 116 of the deckplate 110 passing through the cylindrical holes 122 of the truck plate120. A plurality of springs 130 extend from the edges 116 of the deckplate 110 to the first and second edges 126, 128 of the truck plate 120.At rest the truck plate 120 is spring-centered relative to the deckplate 110 and deviates from its centered position (translation along aline parallel to line P) by a lateral force applied roughlyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20 of theskateboard 10. Frictional force tends to prevent the wheels 40 fromsliding sideways perpendicular to their plane of rotation while thelateral force applied by the rider, approximately perpendicular to thedeck's 20 longitudinal axis, causes the actuating element 100 to shiftfrom a first position to a second position. It can be appreciated thatany suitable resistive device such a spring, a bushing, pneumatic, orhydraulic resistance or any other suitable device or material can beused to resist the motion of the truck plate 120 relative to the deckplate 110 without deviating from this invention.

The deviation of truck plate 120 from its spring-centered restingposition does not modify the truck axle extensions 66 turning radius inthis embodiment, but provides a means of actuating one of manyyet-to-be-described braking systems and provides a subtle sensation offishtailing due to the differential motion of the deck 20 relative tothe truck 30. It can be appreciated that there are other mechanicalmeans by which the actuating element can generate translation alonglines parallel to the P axis as a result of a transverse or lateralforce applied approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe skateboard deck 20 without deviating from this invention. Theactuating element 100, or a subset of the components from which theactuating element 100 is comprised, which generates these alternativemechanical differential motions, may be integrated into the design oftrucks 30 or decks 20, rather than in separate actuating elements 100without deviating from this invention.

FIG. 8B shows an alternative embodiment of the actuating element 100 ofFIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 8B, the actuating element 100 comprises a deckplate 110 and a truck plate 120. The deck plate 110 comprises a firstside 112 and a second side 114. As shown in FIG. 8A, the deck plate 110has a substantially flat surface on both the first side 112 and thesecond side 114. It can be appreciated that the first side 112 can adopta shape which best fits the underside of the deck 20 to which the firstside 112 is attached, which generally may not be flat, without deviatingfrom this invention. On the second side 114 of the deck plate 110, thedeck plate 110 comprises two edges 116 extending from the lateral endsof the deck plate 110 and two edges 117 extending from the front andback ends of the deck plate 110. The front and back edges 117 eachcontain grooves 119 extending from the two lateral edges 116 of the deckplate 110. The deck plate also includes deck plate mounting holes 118.

The truck plate 120 is adapted to have its front and back edges 127, 129fit within the grooves 117 of deck plate 110. Truck plate 120 comprisesa plurality of mounting holes 124 through which the base plate 52 of thetruck 30 is mounted to the actuating element 100. The truck plate 120 isfree to slide within the grooves 117 of the deck plate 110 from a firstposition to a second position when a lateral force is applied roughlyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck. It can beappreciated that the grooves 117 can be linear, curved, non-linear,convex, concave or any suitable shape without departing from the presentinvention. In addition, the grooves 117 can be positioned on the deckplate 110 rather than the truck plate without departing from the presentinvention.

FIG. 8C shows the actuating element of FIG. 8B with optional features.In this alternate embodiment, each of the side grooves 119 can alsoinclude at least one bearing roller wheel 121. The bearing roller wheel121 is configured to assist with guiding the deck plate 120 as itdeviates from a first position to a second position.

It can be appreciated that the truck plate 120 can also includes atleast one roller wheel 123 to assist with the guiding of the truck plate120 as it deviates from a first position to a second position. As shownin FIG. 8C, the at least one roller wheel 123 is configured to fitwithin the groove 117 of each of the side grooves 119.

It can be appreciated that the bearing roller wheels 121 and/or rollerwheels 123, 133 can be ball bearings or any other suitable device toassist with the movement and relative positions of the deck and truckplates 110, 120.

A plurality of screws 115 can be used to attach the edges 116 to thedeck plate 110. Alternatively, an adhesive, solder, or other suitablemethod can attach the two edges 116.

The actuating element shown in FIG. 8C may also comprise of a pluralityof springs 132, which may be mounted and held in place on studs 130attached to the lateral edges 126, 128 of the truck plate 120 and to theinner sides of lateral edges 116 of deck plate 110. The springs provideresistance to the movement of the truck plate 120 from a resting,spring-centered position to another position when a force is appliedacross the deck 20 of the skateboard 10 roughly perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the deck 20. It can be appreciated that materialsor devices, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or elasticbushings, or any other suitable device or material may be used in placeof the springs without deviating from this invention.

The actuating element 100 in FIG. 8C may also be comprised of a raisedsurface 140 on the second side 114 of the deck plate 110, and aplurality of positive stops 145 which adjustably extend through truckplate 120. Adjustments made to the depth of the positive stops 145 ontruck plate 120 can customize the behavior of the movement of the truckplate 120 relative to the deck plate 110. It may be desirable to onlyallow the actuation element 100 to move from a first position to asecond position when the lateral force applied roughly perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20 is directed away fromthe center of curvature of the skateboard's 10 path or to the outside ofthe turn.

FIG. 8D shows an end view of the actuating element 100 of FIG. 8C. Asshown in FIG. 8C the truck plate 120 may consist of a plurality ofroller wheels 123 on the front end and back end of the truck plate 120.The roller wheel 133 located in the middle of the front and back edge ofthe truck plate 120 may be larger than the roller wheels 123 on lateralends of the front and back edges of the truck plate 120. As the deck 20is pressed downward on one lateral side 14 of the deck 20, the truckplate 120 rotates slightly around its longitudinal axis within thegroove 117 of deck plate 110. The positive stops 145 can be adjustedsuch that the raised section 140 of the second side 114 of the deckplate 110 will come in contact with the positive stops 145 and preventthe displacement of the deck plate 110 relative to the truck plate 120in a direction towards the center of curvature of the skateboard's 10path. Activation of the actuating element 100 towards the center ofcurvature of the skateboard's 10 path would tend to straighten the pathof the skateboard 10 and it may not be desirable to allow this inwarddisplacement of the deck 20 relative to the truck 30. In thisconfiguration the raised surface 140 on the second side 114 of the deckplate 110 will not come in contact with the positive stops 145 locatedon the edge of the truck plate 120, which is positioned towards theouter edge of the skateboard's 10 path. The deck plate 110 of theactuating element 100 will be free to move outward away from the centerof curvature of the skateboard's 10 path, relative to the truck plate120.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the actuating element 100. Theembodiment in FIG. 9 is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.One fundamental difference between the two embodiments shown in FIG. 8Aand FIG. 9 is that the rods 130 and holes 122 in the embodiment of FIG.9 are curved. These curved elements modify the differential motioncharacteristics of the truck plate 120 relative to the deck plate 110.The actuating element 100 is positioned between the skateboard deck 20and the base plate 52 of the truck 30.

As shown in FIG. 9, the actuating element 100 comprises a deck plate 110and a truck plate 120. The deck plate 110 has a first side 112 and asecond side 114. The first side 112 is adapted to be attached to theskateboard deck 20. A pair of curved openings 122 extends from a firstedge 126 to a second edge 128 of the truck plate 120. A pair ofsimilarly curved rods 132 extends from one edge 116 of the deck plate110 to another edge 116 of the deck plate 110 and pass through thecurved openings 122. The second side 114 of the deck plate has a curvedsurface. A plurality of springs 130 extend from the edges 116 of thedeck plate 110 to the first and second edges 126, 128 of the truck plate120. At rest the truck plate 120 is spring-centered relative to the deckplate 110 and deviates laterally in an arched path (rotation around anaxis parallel to line L) by a transverse or lateral force appliedroughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck20. The deviation of truck plate 120 from its spring-centered restingposition modifies the truck axle extensions 66 turning radius, beta (β),to beta-T (β-T) for any given deck dipping angle, theta (θ) (FIGS. 3 and5). It can be appreciated that there are other mechanical means by whichrotation around an axis parallel to line L can be achieved withoutdeviating from this invention. The actuating element 100, whichgenerates these alternative mechanical differential motions, can beintegrated into the design of trucks 30 or decks 20, rather than inseparate actuating elements 100 without deviating from this invention.

It can be appreciated that alternative embodiments analogous to FIGS.8B, 8C, and 8D which instead include curved or non-linear grooves 117and other non-linear elements can easily be adapted to achieve the goalof the embodiment in FIG. 9 without deviating from this invention.

It can be appreciated that actuating elements can be designed to havemany simple or complex combinations of rotations around, andtranslations along, the three (3) orthogonal axes, L, P, and V withoutdeviating from this invention. The actuating element 100 or itscomponent parts, which generates these alternative mechanicaldifferential motions, can be integrated into the design of trucks 30 ordecks 20, rather than in separate actuating elements 100 withoutdeviating from this invention.

FIG. 10A shows a further embodiment of an actuating element 100. Theactuating element 100 is positioned between the skateboard deck 20 andthe base plate 52 of the truck 30. The actuating element 100 ispreferably positioned on the trailing truck 34 of the deck 20 of theskateboard 10 but can also be mounted on the leading truck 32 or boththe leading 32 and trailing trucks 34 of the skateboard 10.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the actuating element 100 comprises a deck plate210 and a truck plate 230. The deck plate 210 comprises a first side 212adapted to attach to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10 and a second side214, which faces and connects to the truck plate 230. The first side 212is preferably a smooth or flat surface, or is otherwise configured toattach to the bottom side 24 of the deck 20. The deck plate 210 has aplurality of deck mounting holes 216. The pattern or arrangement of thedeck mounting holes 216 preferably matches the pre-drilled mountingholes on the base plate 52 of the truck 30. This way, the actuatingelement 100 can be optionally removed by the rider altogether such thatthe truck base plate 52 or the actuating element 100 can be mountedwithin the same holes on the deck 20 of the skateboard 10. The secondside 214 of the deck plate 210 includes an edge 218 with a groove 217.The groove 217 is configure to accept the end of the truck plate 230 andis intended to prevent the separation of the deck plate 210 and thetruck plate 230 in a direction perpendicular to the sides of theseplates 210, 230 which face one another. The deck plate 210 and the truckplate 230 are also attachable to one another at a pivoting mechanism220. The pivoting mechanism 220 preferably contains elements 240 whichprovide resistive forces, which tend to resist the two plates 210, 230from pivoting around a central pivot point 222 around the V axis. It canbe appreciated that any suitable resistive device such a spring, abushing, pneumatic or hydraulic resistance or any other suitableresistive element can be used within the pivoting mechanism 220 withoutdeviation from this invention.

The truck plate 230 comprises an end configured to slide within the edge218 and groove 217 on the deck plate 210. The edge 218 and groove 217guide the truck plate 230 over the deck plate 210 and prevent the plates210, 230 from separating from each other except in a controlled rotationaround the pivot point 222. The deck plate 210 is preferably secured tothe deck 20 of the skateboard 10 with bolts or screws through mountingholes 216. The location and configuration of the edge 218 and groove 217on the deck plate 210 and suitable adapted elements on the truck plate230 can take many other forms without deviating from this invention. Thetruck plate 230 further comprises a plurality of mounting holes 236configured to receive an equal number of nuts and bolts from the baseplate 52 of the truck 30.

At rest the deck plate 210 and truck plate 230 of the actuating element100 are aligned such that the longitudinal axes of the plates 210, 230are coincident with one another and the axle extensions 66 of the truck30 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20.Lateral or transverse forces across the deck 20 of the skateboard 10,which are applied approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the skateboard deck 20, cause the deck plate 210 and truck plate 230to rotate around an axis parallel to line V and through the pivot point222 against the rotational resistive element 240. The angles by whichthe two plates 210 and 230 depart from their resting positions enhancethe turn angle, beta, of the trucks axle 66 from beta to beta-T (β-T).It can be appreciated that there are other mechanical means by which anactuating element 100 can allow rotation of the base plate 52 relativeto the skateboard deck 30 around a line parallel to line V withoutdeviating from this invention.

FIG. 10B shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the actuating element 100 shown in FIG. 10A. This embodiment includesseveral optional elements, which enhance the function of the actuatingelement 100 shown in FIG. 10A. One or more wheel roller bearings 123,133 may be added to the truck plate 230. The wheel roller bearings 123may help guide the end of the truck plate 230 within the groove 217 onthe deck plate. Adjustable Positive stops 145 may be added to the truckplate 230 and are adapted to perform the same function as described inthe sections above referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D. The deck plate 210 mayhave a raised surface 140. The deck plate 210 may also have a bushing260 held in place by a screw 270 or other appropriate element. Amatching opening 265 in the truck plate would be adapted to receive theflexible bushing 260. Analogous to the description for FIGS. 8C and 8D,the wheel roller bearings 123, 127 may be sized and positioned, and thepositive stops can be adjusted relative to the raised section 140 ondeck plate 210, such that the displacement of the deck plate 210relative to the truck plate 230 may only be allowed towards the outerside of the curved skateboard 10 path. Subtle rotation of the truckplate 230 within the groove 217 of the deck plate 210 will require thatsufficient torsion flexibility be allowed around the longitudinal axisof the truck plate 230. The flexible bushing 260 may provide theresistance to the rotation of the truck plate 230 relative to the deckplate 210 around the V axis at pivot point 222.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuating element 100.This actuating element 100 illustrates how rotation of the base plate 52relative to the deck 20 around an axis parallel to the line P canfacilitate an enhanced turning response or fishtailing. As shown in FIG.11, the actuating element 100 comprises a deck plate 310 and a truckplate 330. The deck plate 310 comprises a first side 312 and a secondside 314. The first side 312 is adapted to be attachable to theunderside of the skateboard deck 20. The deck plate 310 has a pluralityof mounting holes (not shown) configured to secure the deck plate 310 tothe deck. The mounting holes are configured to match the mounting holesof the skateboard deck 20.

The truck plate 330 comprises a first truck plate 332 and a second truckplate 334. A hinge 318, which resists rotation, attaches the first andsecond truck plates 332, 334 to one another. The hinge 318 attaches thefirst truck plate 332 and the second truck plate 334 towards an end ofthe skateboard 10 away from the middle of the skateboard 10. However, itcan be appreciated that any suitable connective device can be used toconnect the first truck plate 332 and the second truck plate 334 to oneanother, such that the truck 30 and deck 20 have relative differentialmotion in the form of rotation around a line parallel to the line P.Preferably, the connective device provides some resistance to movementaway from the resting position.

The first truck plate 332 deviates laterally from the deck plate 310 ona pair of curved rod 342 and a plurality springs 340. The second truckplate 334 attaches to the base plate 52 of the skateboard truck 30 via aplurality of mounting holes 336. The pair of curved openings 322 extendsfrom a first edge 326 to a second edge 328 of the first truck plate 332.A pair of similarly curved rods 342 extends from one edge 316 of thedeck plate 310 to another edge 316 of the deck plate 310 and passthrough the curved openings 322.

A plurality of springs 340 extend from the edges 316 of the deck plate310 to the first and second edges 326, 328 of the truck plate 330. Atrest the truck plate 330 is spring-centered relative to the deck plate310 and deviates laterally in an arched path (rotation around an axisparallel to line L) by a transverse or lateral force applied roughlyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20. Thedeviation of truck plate 330 from its spring-centered resting positionmodifies the truck axle extensions 66 turning radius, beta (β), tobeta-T (β-T) for any given deck dipping angle, theta (θ) (FIGS. 3 and5). It can be appreciated that there are other mechanical means by whichrotation around an axis parallel to line L can be achieved withoutdeviating from this invention. The actuating element 100, whichgenerates these alternative mechanical differential motions, can beintegrated into the design of trucks 30 or decks 20, rather than inseparate actuating elements 100 without deviating from this invention.

At rest the first and second truck plates 332, 334 are coincident withone another and are caused to pivot about the hinge 318 by a transverseor lateral force applied across the deck 20 of the skateboard 10 in adirection roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the deck 20.The angles by which the first and second truck plates 332, 334 departfrom their resting positions enhance the turning angle of the trucks'axle extensions 66 from beta to beta-T (β-T). In this embodiment, whichutilizes rotation around an axis parallel to line P, another mechanicalelement, such as that shown in FIG. 8, may be required to convert thetransverse force directed approximately perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the deck 20 into the rotation around the axisparallel to line P. It can be appreciated that there are othermechanical means by which rotation can be achieved around an axisparallel to line P without deviating from this invention.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a skateboard deck 20 illustrating a lateralforce motion upon an actuating element 100. FIG. 13 shows a top view ofa skateboard 10 illustrating the lateral force motion of FIG. 12.

Braking Action

Braking action in this invention is achieved by transferring thedifferential motion between the deck 20 and truck 30 generated by theactuating element 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 11 into anothermechanical motion to slow or stop the motion of the skateboard. It isnot required that the actuating element 100 also generates a significantfishtailing response or otherwise enhance the steering of the board inorder to achieve braking. It can be appreciated that there are manymechanical means by which the actuating element 100 can produce thedifferential motion (any combination of translation along, or rotationaround, lines parallel to 3 orthogonal axes L, P, and V) between thedeck 20 and the truck 30, which result from the lateral or transverseforce applied to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10 roughly perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20, without deviatingfrom this invention.

Likewise, there are many mechanical means by which rotating elements ofthe skateboard (wheels 40, axle extensions 66, bearings, etc.), involvedin the movement of the skateboard 10 across the ground, can bemechanically slowed or stopped by a braking system 400, which includesthe actuating element 100. The scope of this invention includes allcombinations of the various mechanical braking elements coupled with theactuating elements techniques described herein.

FIG. 14 provides an example of the means by which the actuating element100 can be coupled with a braking system 400 to achieve braking, but byno means are these examples intended to limit the range and scope ofthis invention to only those examples shown.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a braking system 400 comprising anactuating element 100. In this example, the actuating element 100 isthat one shown in FIG. 8C. The actuating element 100 comprises a deckplate 110 and a truck plate 120. The deck plate 110 comprises a firstside 112 and a second side 114. The deck plate 110 also includes aplurality of mounting holes 118. The mounting holes 118 attach theactuating element 100 to the skateboard deck 20. The truck plate 120comprises a first side 112 and a second side 114. The truck plate 120also includes a plurality of mounting holes 124. The mounting holes 124attach the actuating element 100 to the truck 30.

As shown in FIG. 14, the braking system 400 comprises brake pads 430,caliper arms 434, a hand-actuated brake cable 416 and two actuatorcables 440. The hand-actuated cable 416 is pulled by a hand-actuatedbraking system (not shown) similar to that found on many popularbicycles. The two additional actuator cables 440 physically andfunctionally connect the actuating element 100 to the braking system400. The two actuator cables 440 mounts to the truck plate 120 at truckplate anchors 472 and to the two caliper arms 434 at the caliper armanchors 136. At all other points along the path of the two actuatorcables 440 between the truck plate anchors 472 and the caliper armanchors 136, the two actuator cables 440 slide freely within deck plateanchors 150, a flexible cable sheaths 410, rigid sheath tubing 420 andall other elements through which the actuator cables 440 pass.

One end of the flexible cable sheathes 410 are seated within the cablesheath anchors 150 which are openings within the deck plate 110. Theother end of each flexible cable sheath 410 is seated within one end ofeach of the two curved rigid sheath tubes 420 at sheath seats 448. Theother end of each rigid sheath tube 420 seats within a connection point444 on one caliper arms 434. Differential motion between the deck plate110 and the truck plate 120 in one direction causes one of the twoactuator cables 440 to pull the cable-anchored ends of the caliper arms434 towards one another, thereby forcing the brake pads 430 to come incontact with the wheels 40, thereby slowing or stopping the wheels 40.The second of the two actuator cables 440 and the hand actuated brakecable 416 will slacken when the first of the two actuator cables 440 isactuated by the differential motion of the actuating element 100. Thehand actuated brake cable 416 and system is an optional item that can beincluded in the braking system 400 while the rider learns to use thebraking system 400 actuated by the actuating element 100. Once the rideris comfortable with the operation of the braking system 400 actuated bythe actuating element 100, the rider can optionally remove the handactuated braking cable 416 and system.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cable sheath 410, 418 is preferably comprisedof a semi rigid material such as plastic and allows the free movement ofthe cables 440, which slide within. The curved tubes 420 are preferablycomprised of a rigid material, such as a metal or hard plastic (e.g.,polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) however, it can be appreciated that the cablesheath 410, 418 or rigid tubes 420 can be encased in any suitablematerial.

It can be appreciated that the transfer of differential motion withinthe actuating element 100 in FIG. 14 to the braking system 400 can beaccomplished with cables, pneumatics, hydraulics, and a variety of othermechanical means of putting the rotating elements (wheels 40, axleextensions 66, bearings, etc.) in contact with the braking system 400without deviating from this invention.

The preferred embodiment of this invention is an actuating element 100and braking system 400 independent of all other standard skateboardingelements (deck 20, trucks 30, wheels 40, etc.) but it can be appreciatedthat the actuating, fishtailing, and braking elements of this inventionresulting from the differential motion between the deck and truck (whichis derived from the lateral force across the deck) can be fullyintegrated into the design of other skateboarding elements (trucks 30,decks 20, axle extensions 66, wheels 40, bearings, etc.) withoutdeviating from the scope of this invention. In the preferred embodiment,none of the standard decks 20, trucks 30, bearings, or wheels 40 need tobe modified in any way. The actuating element 100 and braking system 400are attached to the rider's favorite deck 20 through the standard 4-holetruck 30 mounting pattern or any other necessary mounting configurationbetween truck 30 designs and deck 20 designs. It can be appreciated thatthe subject actuating elements 100 and braking systems 400 can beadapted to unique truck 30 systems other than the truck as shown in FIG.2. Adjustments to the positioning of the braking system 400 which comein contact with rotating parts (wheels 40, axle extensions 66, bearings,etc.) will be required and will be a function of the design and size ofthe truck 30, deck 20, and wheels 40 and the rider's preferences.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of another braking system 400. Thebraking system 400 comprises an actuating element 100 (as described inFIG. 9), a brake filament 414, and a bracket mounting 412. Any actuatingelement 100 as shown in FIGS. 8–11 or any other mechanical means ofgenerating differential motion between the deck and truck as a result oflateral or transverse forces applied to the deck of a skateboard can bedesigned to mechanically function with the braking system 400 asdescribed herein without deviating from this invention. The bracketmounting 412 either fits over both ends of the truck axle extensions 66(not shown in FIG. 15) and/or is attached to the truck hanger 68. Thebrake filament 414 can be made from a flexible and/or elastic materialsuch as plastic or firm rubber and is attached at one end to the deckplate 110 at brake filament connection point 417. The brake filament 410is designed to freely slide through an opening in the bracket mounting412. Differential motion between the deck plate 110 and the truck plate120 is transferred to differential motion between the brake filament 410and the bracket mounting 412 such that the brake filament 410 will comein contact with a rotating elements such as a skateboard wheel 40 andtend to slow or stop the motion of the skateboard 10.

FIG. 16 shows a braking system 400 attached to an actuating element 100.As shown in FIG. 16, the actuating element 100 is positioned between theskateboard deck 20 and the truck 30. The actuating element 100 is theone shown and described in FIG. 10. The truck 30 in this embodiment isof a design by Tierney Rides. The actuating element 100 is preferablyposition on the trailing truck of the deck 20 of the skateboard 10.However, it can be appreciated that the actuating element 100 can bemounted on the leading truck or the leading and trailing trucks.

As shown in FIG. 16, the actuating element 100 comprises a deck plate510 and a truck plate 530. The deck plate 510 comprises a first side 512adapted to attach to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10 and a second side514. The first side 512 is preferably a smooth or flat surface, which isconfigured to be attachable to the bottom side of the deck 20. The deckplate 510 has a plurality of deck mounting holes 516. The deck mountingholes 516 preferably match the mounting hole pattern on the truck 30such that either the truck 30 or the actuating element 100 can bemounted directly to the deck 20 within the same mounting pattern.

The deck plate 510 and the truck plate 530 are attachable to one anotherby a mechanical pivot connection 520. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 16,the mechanical pivot connection 520 preferably contains a resistivemechanisms 540 that tend to resist the rotation of the deck plate 510and the truck plate 530 relative to one another around an axisperpendicular (parallel to the line V) to the flat sides of both plates510, 530 which face one another. It can be appreciated that anymechanical pivot connection 520 can be used without deviating from thisinvention. As shown in FIG. 16, the pivot connection 520 comprises anadjustable resistive pivot 521 perhaps consisting of a torsion spring(not shown).

The truck plate 530 comprises a first side 532 and a second side 534.The first side 532 of the truck plate 530 further includes a groovesystem 217 configured to maintain the positioning of the deck and truckplates 510, 530. This groove system 217 has the same function as in FIG.11.

The braking system 400 comprises two flexible pneumatic or hydraulicfeed lines 610, two pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 620 two brake pads630 and two brake pad mounting brackets 640. The brake pad mountingbrackets 640 attach to the truck axle assembly 66. The feed lines 610and cylinders 620 preferably comprise a pneumatic material or hydraulicfluid. The pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 620 each preferably containan internal spring (not shown) and a piston rod 622. The force of thespring tends to push the piston rod 622 out of each cylinder 620.Differential motion of plate 530 relative to plate 510 on the actuatorelement 100 tends to force the piston 622 into one of the two cylinders620 against the force of the spring internal to that cylinder 620. Thepneumatic or hydraulic material within the cylinder 620 is driven by thedisplaced piston 622 through the feed line 610 towards the brake pad630. The pneumatic or hydraulic pressure forces the brake pad to extendfrom feed line 610 and contact the wheel 40, which tends to slow or stopthe rotation of the wheel 40.

It can be appreciated that any of the braking pads 430 (FIG. 14) and 630(FIG. 16) as shown in the braking systems 400 of FIGS. 14–16 can bereplaced with a braking member configured to apply a force against aportion of a wheel or any other rotating element involved in thelocomotion of the skateboard or wheeled platform (e.g., an axle ratherthan the wheel when the wheel is rigidly attached to a rotating axleincluding a hydraulic powered skateboard as shown in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/874,134, filed Jun. 21, 2004), such that contactbetween the braking member and the rotating element reduces or tends toslow or stop the rotational velocity of the rotating element. Inaddition, the braking member can be a disc brake, a drum brake or powerbrake system without deviating from this invention.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of a skateboard deck 20, an actuatingelement 100 and stationary braking pads 700. The braking pads 700 arepreferably a semi-rigid or semi-flexible material with elasticproperties such that they will return to their original shape afterbeing temporarily deformed while the wheels come in contact with thepads 700. The braking pads 700 are attached to underside of the deck 20of the skateboard 10. In operation, when sufficient lateral ortransverse force is applied roughly perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the deck 20, differential motion between the moving parts in theactuating element 100 make it possible for the wheels 40 to come intocontact with the one or the other brake pads 700 thereby slowing therotation of the wheels. The brake pad 700 material will preferably applybraking force gradually as the differential motion between the movingparts of the actuating element 100 increases from their restingposition. The position at which the brake pads 700 are mounted to thebottom of the deck 20 prevents the wheels from contacting the pads 700without some sufficient differential motion on the moving parts of theactuating element 100.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the actuatingelement 100 incorporating a non-standard skateboard truck 30. The truck30 in this embodiment is of a design by Flowboard™ having a plurality ofwheels 40 attached to the skateboard truck 30. The Flowboard truck 30 inthis design has no moving parts and consists of a uniquely shaped curvedaxle, which typically attaches to the bottom of a skateboard deck 20. Asshown in FIG. 18, the actuating element 100 comprises a deck plate 110and a pair of truck plates 120. The pair of truck plates 120 isconfigured to each receive one end of the curved axle of the truck 30and is attachable to the truck plates 120 through two pair of openings122. The truck 30 can be secured by screws or other suitable devices tothe truck plate 120 through the two pair of openings 122.

The truck plate 110 has a braking track 160 which is a raised surface onthe side of the deck plate 110 which faces away from the deck. Thebraking track 160 is preferably a continuous track configured to receivea braking wheel 170, which extends from the braking pad 700 via a wheelbracket 172. The braking track 160 is positioned between the pair ofcylindrical rods 130. In addition, the braking track 160 preferably hasa rolling contour, which is configured to extend the braking pad 700into at least one of the plurality of wheels 40 when there is lateraldisplacement of the deck plate 110 relative to the truck plate 120.However, it can be appreciated that the braking track 160 can berelatively flat, or have any number of angulations to extend the brakingpad 700 into the wheels 40 of the skateboard 10.

A pair of cylindrical rods 130 extends from one edge 116 of the deckplate 110 to another edge 116 of the deck plate 110 passing through acylindrical hole within the truck plate 120. A plurality of springs 132extend from the edges 116 of the deck plate 110 to the first and secondedge 126, 128 of the truck plate 120.

The braking pad 700 has a generally curved shape, which mirrors theconfiguration of the wheels 40. The braking pad 700 is attachable to thepair of cylindrical rods 130 by a pair of rod brackets 710. The rodbrackets 710 are connected to the two truck plates 120 by a torsionsprings (not shown). One arm of each torsion spring connects to a rodbracket 710. The other arm of each torsion spring connects to the truckplate 120 such that the torsional force in the torsion spring holds thebrake pad 700 away from the plurality of wheels 40 when the truck plate120 is in its spring-centered position relative to deck plate 110.

At rest the truck plate 120 is spring-centered relative to the deckplate 110 and deviates from its centered position (translation along aline parallel to line P) by a lateral force applied across the deck 20of the skateboard 10. The deviation of truck plate 120 from itsspring-centered resting position does not modify the truck axles turningradius in this embodiment, but provides a means of actuating the brakepad 700 to be placed in contact with the wheels. When the truck plate120 deviates from its spring centered position, the braking wheel 170rides up along the raised portion of the braking track 160 causing therod brackets 710 to rotate around the cylindrical rod 130 against theforce of the torsion springs connecting the rod bracket 710 to the truckplate 120, thus placing the braking pad 700 in contact with one or moreof the wheels 40. It can be appreciated that there are other mechanicalmeans by which the actuating element can generate translation alonglines parallel to the P axis as a result of a transverse or lateralforce applied roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theskateboard deck 20 without deviating from this invention. The actuatingelement 100, which generates these alternative mechanical differentialmotions, may be integrated into the design of trucks or decks, ratherthan in separate actuating elements 100 without deviating from thisinvention. In addition, it can be appreciated that by adapting thisunique truck 30 to mount to an actuating element 100, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 8–11, can provide the means of enhancing the turningcharacteristics and/or enabling a braking system 400.

The differential motion between moving parts of the actuating element100 are transferred into the displacement of a braking pad 700 from itsoriginal resting position such that it gradually comes into contact withthe plurality of wheels 40. In operation, the braking pad 700 does notcontact the wheels 40 when the actuating element 100 is in its restingposition. In operation, a lateral or transverse force applied roughlyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck 20 createsthe necessary differential motion between the moving parts of theactuating element 100. The brake pad 700 can be configured to engageonly a few of the wheels 40 or can be configured to make contact witheach of the plurality of wheels 40. It can be appreciated that there aremany mechanical means of transferring the differential motion of movingparts within the actuating element 100 to a variety of brakingmechanisms without deviating from this invention.

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of a standard truck 30 and an attachedactuating element 100 without lateral displacement. As shown in FIG.19A, the actuating element 100 comprises a plate 101 having a pluralityof mounting holes 118. The mounting holes 118 attach the actuatingelement 100 to the skateboard deck 20 and are hidden from view in FIG.19A by the base plate 52. The pattern or arrangement of the deckmounting holes 118 preferably matches the pre-drilled mounting holes onthe base plate 52 of the truck 30. This way, the actuating element 100can be optionally removed by the rider altogether such that the truckbase plate 52 or the actuating element 100 can be mounted within thesame holes on the deck 20 of the skateboard 10.

The plate 101 is preferably made of an elastic material, a rubbercompound or other suitable material, which allows lateral movement ofthe base plate 52. As shown in FIG. 19A, the plate 101 has a rectangularshape. However, it can be appreciated that the plate 101 can be oval,round, square or any other configuration without deviating from thepresent invention. In addition, the base plate 52 is preferably attachedto the deck 20 by a plurality of screws. The screws are preferably madeof a material having sufficient flexibility to accommodate lateralmovement of the base plate 52.

FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of a standard truck and the attachedactuating element of FIG. 19A with lateral displacement. As shown inFIG. 19B, upon a lateral force to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10, theplate 101 laterally displaces the base plate 52. The actuating element100 transfers differential motion between the deck 20 and the truck 30through the flexible plate 101. Differential motion between the truckand deck can be translated into the necessary motion required forvarious braking elements described above.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of a skateboard 10 including anactuating element 100. It can be appreciated that the actuating element100 can be any of the actuating elements 100 as shown in FIGS. 8–11 and14–19 without departing from the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 20, the skateboard 10 comprises a skateboard deck 20attached to a pivoting truck system 800. The pivoting truck system 800comprises a pair of trucks 30 having at least one wheel 40, a pair ofactuating elements 100 and a pivot element 810. A support member 820connects the pair of trucks 30, the actuating elements 100 and the pivotelement 810 to one another. The pair of actuating elements 100 ispreferably positioned between the pair of trucks 30 with the pivotelement 810 preferably positioned an equal distance from each of theactuating elements 100.

The deck 20 comprises a pair of actuating element grooves 830 and apivot groove 840 configured to receive the actuating elements 100 andthe pivot element 810, respectively. In this embodiment, the trucks 30are not directly attached to the deck 20 of the skateboard 10. Rather,the trucks 30 and wheels 40 are attached to the deck 20 of the board 10via the actuating elements 100 and the pivot element 810 through thecorresponding groove 830, 840 on the underside of the skateboard deck20.

In operation, the deck 20 of the skateboard deck 20 rotates around thepivot element 810, such that the pivoting truck system 800 captures thedifferential motion across the actuating element 100 to enable brakingand/or fishtailing. Dipping of the deck from side to side causes therotation of the truck axles such that the path of the skateboard 10turns, as in the typical skateboard. The force of the dipping of thedeck must be transferred into the trucks 30 through the pivot element810 and supporting member 820 Upon an application of a lateral forcedirected roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theskateboard deck 20, the deck 20 pivots around the pivot element 810causing differential motion between the actuating element 100 and theircorresponding grooves 830 on the deck 20. The differential motionbetween the grooves 830 and actuating element 100 can be transferredinto the necessary motion required to actuate braking systems asdescribed in earlier sections. Either the pivoting element 810 or theactuating elements 100 may contain elements which tend to resist therotation of the deck 20 relative to the pivoting truck system 800.

In addition, the pivoting truck system 800 prevents or minimizes astraightening of the path of the skateboard 10 when the rider's weightis approximately vertically centered on the deck 20 of the skateboard.The pivot element 810 limits the movement of the actuating elements 100,such that upon a turning motion wherein the rider's weight is center onthe deck 20 of the skateboard 10, the actuating elements 100 will not inunison move towards the lower edge of the skateboard 10. Rather, thepivot member 810 allows the actuating elements 100 to maintain a centerpositioned and only upon a force to one end of the deck 20 does a changeoccur in the relative position of the actuating element 100 and the deck20 of the skateboard.

Although, the actuating element 100 in FIGS. 8–11 and 14–20 arepreferably independent features separate and distinct from the otherskateboard elements (trucks 30, decks 20, and their component parts) itcan be appreciated that the actuating element 100 can be integrated intothe design of these other skateboard elements (trucks 30, decks 20, andtheir component parts) without deviating from this invention. It canalso be appreciated that these actuating elements 100 can beincorporated into a variety of wheels platforms and vehicles other thanskateboards without deviating from this invention.

The actuating element 100 can also include at least one sensor 900 (FIG.16) configured to deliver a signal to a receiver (not shown) having aCPU or microprocessor. The sensor 900 is preferably an electric or anelectronic sensor; however, it can be appreciated that any suitablesensor can be used.

It can be appreciated that actuating element 100 as described in thevarious embodiments may consist of components that do not resemble“plates” in their physical dimensions. For example, the deck plate 110can be replaced with at least one rod attachable directly to theskateboard deck. Alternatively, the truck, or truck plate 120 to which atruck is mounted, can be configured to slide on the rod. In addition,other embodiments can include a deck plate 110 with grooves into which atruck mounting plate fits directly.

In yet a further embodiment, rotation around the V axis can include arotating arm (cylindrical in shape) performing the function of the truckplate 120. The truck 30 can be attachable to a flat portion of the arm,such that the embodiment does not include a plate as described herein

It can be appreciated that additional embodiments include adaptation ofthe steering enhancement and braking functionality can extended toinline skates, roller skates, wheeled skis, scooters, and any otherwheeled platform without deviating from this invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments described above, it will be appreciated that theconfiguration of this invention can be varied and that the scope of thisinvention is defined by the following claims.

1. A brake actuation for a skateboard comprising: a skateboard truck; anactuating element comprising: a deck plate configured to be attachableto a skateboard deck; and a truck plate configured to be attachable tothe skateboard truck and the deck plate, wherein upon an application ofa force to the skateboard deck, the position of the truck plate relativeto the deck plate changes; and a brake system, wherein the brake systemis engaged by differential motion of the actuating element andconfigured to reduce a rotational velocity of a wheel, the brake systemcomprising a pair of calipers, each caliper having an actuator cableconnected thereto, wherein each brake caliper includes a brake pad, andwherein the differential motion between the deck plate and the truckplate causes one of the actuator cables to pull the actuator cableanchored on one end of the caliper arm, thereby forcing the brake pad tocome in contact with the wheel.
 2. A brake actuation system for askateboard comprising: a truck; an actuating element comprising: a deckplate configured to be attachable to a platform; and a truck plateconfigured to be attachable to the truck and the deck plate, whereinupon an application of a force to the skateboard deck, the position ofthe truck plate relative to the deck plate changes; and a brake system,wherein the brake system is engaged by differential motion of theactuating element and configured to reduce a rotational velocity of awheel, the brake system comprising a pair of calipers, each caliperhaving an actuator cable connected thereto, wherein each brake caliperincludes a brake pad, and wherein the brake system is engaged bydifferential motion of the actuating element and configured to reduce arotational velocity of a wheel, wherein the differential motion betweenthe deck plate and the truck plate causes one of the actuator cables topull the actuator cable anchored on one end of the caliper arm, therebyforcing the brake pad to come in contact with the wheel.
 3. The brakeactuation system of claim 2, wherein the differential motion between theplatform and the truck is generated by a rider who creates torque aroundthe pivot connection axis between the at least one platform and thetruck.
 4. The brake actuation system of claim 2, wherein a brake cableand brake cable housing are anchored to the platform and the truck, andthe differential motion between the platform and the deck mechanicallydraws the brake cable through the brake cable housing, thereby actuatingthe brakes.
 5. The brake actuation system of claim 2, wherein theplatform is the deck of a skateboard and the truck is one of at leastone skateboard truck.
 6. The brake actuation system of claim 2, whereinthe differential motion between the platform and the truck is generatedby the rider who applies force laterally relative to the direction inwhich the wheeled platform is traveling.